Table of contents for 2025-02-13 in Star

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) has raised alarms over a potential downturn in the country’s economic confidence, attributing the cause to shifting policies under the new administration of US President Donald Trump. Sacci on Wednesday warned that this uncertainty could stall gains made in the domestic business climate, particularly following a diplomatic spat that erupted after Trump signed Executive Orders that cut crucial funding for South Africa’s health programmes. The cutbacks have been linked to the government’s controversial land expropriation policy. Survey results released on Wednesday indicated a slight dip in the Business Confidence Index (BCI), which fell to 120.0 points in January 2025, down from December’s 121.0. While this represented the second consecutive month of decline, the index had previously achieved its highest level since…

Sources close to the South African Post Office Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs), Anoosh Rooplal and Juanito Damons, have revealed that efforts were being made to verify reports that the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has asked National Treasury to reallocate unused funds from the SA Connect programme to the South African Post Office (SAPO). This initiative seeks to aid the beleaguered postal service as it grapples with the threat of shutdown within weeks. This is at the height of strong debate between Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) over the effectiveness of the business rescue process of the SAPO, which the latter has warned could shut down in the next two weeks. According to Kwena Moloto, spokesperson for Communications Minister…

PwC has expressed optimism that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech next week will resonate positively with the business community. In their latest predictions, PwC emphasised the need for a robust update on significant economic and structural reforms, notably with regard to the nation’s ongoing energy and logistics sectors, which have been under tremendous pressure. Since the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) projected an average economic growth of 1.9% per annum from 2025 to 2027, expectations have risen that the National Treasury will echo similar optimistic forecasts for the medium term. However, PwC highlighted a cautious approach would provide a pragmatic lens through which to view fiscal revenues, stating that “fiscal budgets perennially overestimate economic growth and expected fiscal revenues.” The firm’s grim outlook for the fiscal budget is particularly…

For many SMEs, overlooking the importance of understanding how the National Budget Speech can affect their businesses, often leads to missed opportunities or unpreparedness for changes that could make or break their growth. Here’s why the 2025 Budget Speech is so significant for small businesses: Tax Adjustments: A Potential Relief for SMEs One of the key aspects of the Budget Speech is the introduction of targeted tax adjustments for small businesses. The government may introduce revised tax rates, new tax deductions, or incentives aimed at reducing the tax burden on entrepreneurs. These changes can unlock cash flow, allowing business owners to reinvest in their operations or expand their businesses. For businesses, understanding and planning for these changes is essential. It’s crucial to review your business’s financials to see how these…

BHP non-executive director, Ross McEwan, will replace Ken MacKenzie as chairman of the resources group’s board with effect from next month. BHP is ramping up its copper play to benefit from surging demand for the renewable energy commodity. In the half year period to the end of December, BHP lifted copper production by 10% to 987 000 tons and hopes to top 1.8 million tons for its 2025 full year. McEwan steps up into the chairmanship of the group at a time the group has been strengthening its portfolio despite Anglo American rejecting a bid for its copper assets last year. “MacKenzie will retire from the Board of BHP Group Limited on 31 March 2025,” said the company on Wednesday. He joined the BHP board in September 2016 and…

Teen acting sensation Liyabona Mroqoza is still trying to process the fact that the first movie she landed has been nominated for an Academy Award. The 14-year-old made her acting debut in the isiXhosa movie The Last Ranger, which will be vying for the top film prize in the Best Live Action Short Film category. With the prestigious awards ceremony set to take place on Sunday, March 2, in Los Angeles, California, Mroqoza is elated about the nomination. “It is such a blessing to be nominated for an Oscar. It’s so awesome to know I have achieved something with my fellow cast members. “We have all got what we worked for and we worked really hard, so it truly is amazing to know that our work is doing something in…

Sorry, BeyHive, but it’s time to put those Formation outfits back in the wardrobe – Beyoncé is not heading to South Africa in April 2025. The whispers started in December, with claims that Beyoncé would be performing at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on April 10. Excited fans rushed to social media, some even claiming to have secured tickets for the so-called concert. But McKenzie is here to burst that bubble – and he’s making sure no one falls for a scam. Speaking at the FNB Stadium, he warned, “Some of you are buying tickets. It’s a scam. Beyoncé is coming, but not now.” He made it clear that she is not scheduled to perform this year. For those who were ready to sell their souls for front-row seats, this…

Following their arrest on Tuesday, two of the four arson accused appeared in the Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court yesterday. According to National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, the matter was postponed to today for legal representation. “Steven Sipho Ndlovu and Mduduzi Luvuyo Msimango appeared in court today and their matter was postponed to tomorrow (Thursday), February 13 for legal representation,” Nyuswa stated following the duo’s brief court appearance. Yesterday, Putco welcomed the arrest of the two additional suspects linked to the torching of its 50 buses late last month. Ndlovu and Msimango made their first court appearance yesterday on similar charges to those of their co-accused, Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skosana, who were arrested last month after police linked them to their involvement in the R250 million destruction of part…

Tshwane’s Online Intervention Unit successfully recovered a stolen Toyota Fortuner in Winterveldt following a tip-off. The vehicle, reported stolen in Rustenburg, was found partially stripped. Police are currently searching for suspects while forensic teams gather evidence. Tshwane district police spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk, said members of the Tshwane District Online Intervention Unit, which is responsible for preventing and investigating online robberies linked to false advertisements on social media, demonstrated their versatility and commitment by successfully recovering a stolen vehicle in Winterveldt on Tuesday. “While police were conducting patrols to identify known suspects and potential victims of online robberies. The dedicated team received information regarding individuals who were in the process of stripping a vehicle in Slovoville, Winterveldt, that is situated in the Northern parts of Tshwane.” Van Dyk stated…

A spate of incidents that disrupted airline operations over the summer peak travel season and throughout last month have fuelled frustrations and resulted in the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) renewing its concerns over service delivery from State aviation agencies while airlines bear the brunt to meet commitments to their customers. AASA represents most of the airlines in the SA Development Community bloc, including 17 airline members and 40 associate members. The leading airline representative organisation in Southern Africa stated that the incidents are primarily related to the reliability of refuelling infrastructure, electrical power supply, and redundancy systems at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Cape Town International Airport (CTIA). ORTIA was one of the world’s top 10 busiest airports in 2024, with 17.8 million passengers and over 204…

The Volkswagen T-Cross is now more accessible, following the introduction of two new entry-level models to the range. Announced at its “2025 Indaba” held at the Kariega factory, the new ‘base’ trim 1.0 TSI 70kW model comes in at R400,700, while the 85kW DSG auto version is priced at R418,200. Although they’re not quite at the affordable end of the SUV scale, the pair significantly undercut the existing 1.0 TSI Life (R471,400), Style (R511,300) and R-Line (R543,800) facelifted derivatives that were launched in South Africa in late 2024. VWSA has not released detailed specifications as yet, but the new base models do come with App-Connect, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel, manual air conditioning, a hill assist, two USB ports upfront and a tyre pressure monitoring…

Toyota confirmed it will build an electric vehicle plant in Shanghai for its luxury Lexus brand as it raised its annual net profit forecast to almost $30 billion. China overtook Japan as the biggest vehicle exporter last year, helped by its dominance in EVs. Many foreign car firms are struggling in China, but Toyota – the world’s top-selling automaker – said it wants to “match the unique needs of Chinese customers” with its new factory. “We decided to establish a wholly owned company for the development and production of Lexus BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and batteries in Shanghai, China,” it said. Toyota aims to start production there after 2027, and said the new plant would create 1,000 new jobs with an annual output capacity of approximately 100,000 vehicles. It will…

BROUGHT down to earth with a thud at Mbombela Stadium, where they lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy on Tuesday night, Mamelodi Sundowns will have to dust themselves off and quickly ready themselves for Sunday’s Nedbank Cup last-16 clash against lower division side Mpheni Home Defenders. And coach Miguel Cardoso is confident that his team will put the setback behind them and return an even stronger side for the lessons leant from the Galaxy defeat, which set them back a little in their hunt for an eighth successive league title. Sundowns had smashed Orlando Pirates 4-1 at the weekend, and were expected to increase their lead atop the Premiership table by a further three points when they made the trip to Mpumalanga for a clash against a team they generally get…

The Stormers may have relinquished their Cape Town unbeaten record to the Bulls, but they are certainly not down and out. In fact, they are going to Johannesburg for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Lions (2.30pm kick-off) in a positive mood after just missing out on a vital victory in the 33-32 defeat to the Bulls last weekend. While they will be disappointed to have conceded four tries to the Bulls and fail to close out the win, they looked like they had rediscovered their rhythm on attack. In the second half in particular, they almost looked like they would score every time they ran at the Bulls, and eventually ended up with five touchdowns. They also varied their play smartly with a few pinpoint up-and-unders, and will…

Vinicius Junior started the night with a reminder of his Ballon d’Or heartbreak, but ended it by reminding Manchester City why Real Madrid have such a strong record in the Champions League. Real Madrid twice came from behind before snatching a dramatic stoppage-time winner in their 3-2 play-off round first leg victory over Premier League champions City on Tuesday. Home fans displayed a huge banner with a picture of City midfielder Rodri Hernandez holding the Ballon d’Or, which he won in October 2024 ahead of Vinicius. Real Madrid reacted angrily, refusing to attend the ceremony. “Stop crying your heart out,” City’s banner chided the Spanish giants, giving a nod to a song of the same name by Manchester band Oasis. However, it was City who ended the night in tears…

WITH four league titles to his name, he is undoubtedly one of the best coaches South Africa has produced. But the spell of bad luck Gavin Hunt has had to endure over the past four years is almost unbelievable. Hunt started his coaching career with Hellenic where he had made a name for himself as a player. He then moved to Black Leopards before joining one of South Africa’s most legendary big clubs, the now-defunct Moroka Swallows. It is then at SuperSport United where he started collecting accolades that would put his name in the list of top five best South African coaches. At the Tshwane-based side, where he stayed between 2007 and 2013, he made his mark by being the first coach to win three consecutive league titles. Only…

BAROKA FC’s love affair with the Nedbank Cup is common knowledge, the team from Lebowakgomo having announced themselves to the local fraternity in this competition way back in 2011. The discerning local football follower will vividly remember their giant-slaying acts under the guidance of Sello ‘The Gloved One’ Chokoe as they beat both Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows en route to reaching the semi-finals. They were in the lower division back then, and upon their promotion to the elite league, Bakgaga also had a fantastic run in the Telkom Knockout, which they won in 2018 at the expense of another giant of the game from Soweto, Orlando Pirates. It is those good memories of splendid cup runs that the Motsepe Foundation Championship club have been using to motivate themselves for…

Old Mutual chief economist says CPI inflation is expected to average around 3.8% South African economists and agricultural leaders Wednesday revealed expectations of a notable recovery for the country’s economy, anticipating a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of close to 2% in 2025. In a panel discussion, Old Mutual Group chief economist, Johann Els, set the tone by forecasting a GDP growth rate of 2.2% for the coming year. Els noted that consumer price index (CPI) inflation was expected to average around 3.8%, alongside predictions of two further interest rate cuts of 25 basis points each in 2025. Furthermore, he expressed confidence in the strengthening of the rand against the US dollar, with a target of R17 by the close of 2025. “Currently holding a credit rating of 'stable', I…

At the inception of South Africa's sixth administration in 2019, government took a bold decision to replace the annual Industrial Policy Action Plans (IPAPs) with sector-specific master plans. These were envisioned as blueprints for individual industries, designed to catalyse growth, generate economic opportunities, and align sectoral strategies with the broader objectives of industrial policy. Much can be debated about the effectiveness—or lack thereof—of these master plans. Yet, regardless of their outcomes, they marked a critical moment of recognition by government of the need to prioritise strategic sectors as the engines of economic renewal. The years since have not been kind. Between 2021 and 2023, inflation soared across advanced and emerging markets alike, fuelled by a confluence of factors: surging commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, rising transport costs, rebounding demand, and…

Small businesses are the driving force behind the South African economy, and they will be eagerly listening to next week’s Budget Speech. They want to hear how they will be meaningfully empowered to succeed this year. Looking at the turnover data and cashflow insights that Lula has access to, this sector is clearly under immense pressure. Our latest data shows that South African SMEs are facing immense pressure with a 50% drop in turnover year-on-year. The highest interest rates in more than 15 years have restricted consumers’ ability to spend and this has had a massive impact on turnover across all industries. This has resulted in the South African economy showing almost no growth in 2024, and actually shrinking in the third quarter. This decline is not just a statistic;…

Pan African Resources CEO, Cobus Loots, has expressed optimism regarding the company’s future despite grappling with a decline in production and revenue for the half-year period ending December 2024. Loots on Wednesday highlighting that the gold miner will ramp up production over the next few months to benefit from current elevated bullion prices. This comes as interim headline earnings per share for Pan African slumped by 43.7% to US 1.20 cents after revenues slid 1% to $189.3 million (R337 million) due to a 13% decrease in gold production for the period, as well as the impact of the synthetic gold forward sale transaction of about $17.4. Over the period under review, Pan African enjoyed a 21% rise in the dollar gold price received. “We have diversified our production base from…

A comparison between the change in the number of home loans granted for the 12 months to January 2024 and January 2025 confirms the extent of the turnaround in the residential property market, mortgage origination firm BetterBond has said. The new Expropriation Act that has caused a public furore represented “business as usual” for the property sector at present, and although three regions have not yet fully recovered from the debilitating effect of record high interest rates, the majority of them have posted significant increases in home-buying activity, economist Dr Roelof Botha said in a note at the release of data by BetterBond. The Free State and Northern Cape region had outperformed the rest in the recovery stakes, with the Western Cape in second position with a year-on-year increase of…

Uyajola 9/9 is known for revealing the secrets and scandals of South Africans to the public. Hosted by rapper and TV personality Jub Jub, the show has become popular for exposing infidelity in relationships, often sending ripples through the community. But now, Jub Jub has decided to raise the stakes by taking the drama into religious spaces. In a recent video going viral, Jub Jub made a bold proclamation: “Everyone cheats, even at church. So now we cannot go in because of church? We are within!” The idea of exposing pastors – trusted figures in religious communities – has sparked mixed reactions. For those who might be unfamiliar with the show, Uyajola 9/9 is South Africa’s answer to the Cheaters franchise. In each episode, Jub Jub and his team track…

Former Limpopo ANC Youth League provincial secretary and MPL David “Che” Selane has landed himself in hot water after making scathing remarks about some ANC members and Premier Phophi Ramathuba’s executive committee members during a podcast interview. Without mentioning names, Selane alleged that some ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) members had bought their qualifications from private institutions, sparking outrage from the party’s provincial leadership. Selane’s comments were made during an interview on a local podcast, where he alleged some ANC members had purchased qualifications. “Go and check comrades of the ANC, they are ‘domkops’ (idiots) and they cannot outsmart me. These people ran away from school but have passed,” he said. “If an investigation is carried out, many will be arrested. The reality is these comrades are in their numbers…

Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) said it needs over R70 million to repair vandalised traffic lights at intersections across the City of Johannesburg, as residents and motorists continue to struggle with hours of traffic delays. While the issue is widespread, municipalities in Gauteng, such as the City of Tshwane metro and Ekurhuleni metro, are grappling with similar challenges. ​In Johannesburg, the ongoing issue of non-functioning traffic lights continues to disrupt daily commutes. Residents said broken traffic signals regularly force drivers to wait more than 30 minutes, worsening congestion and travel times. Beyer's Naudé Drive, one of the most severely impacted areas, starts at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in Auckland Park and stretches through Melville, Roosevelt Park, Northcliff, and Blackheath, crossing the N1 Western Bypass at Randpark Ridge. ​On the…

Teachers have encouraged their unemployed colleagues to follow proper employment channels after an alleged fraudster has been falsely promising teaching posts in exchange for money. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has distanced itself from the alleged fraudster impersonating department officials. Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the department has noted with serious concern allegations of fraud involving an individual known as Amahle Nene-Sishi, who has been accused of scamming unsuspecting individuals by falsely promising them teaching posts in exchange for money. “The department categorically distances itself from this individual and strongly condemns any fraudulent activities that seek to exploit job seekers under false pretences. “It has come to our attention that the alleged fraudster has used photographs taken with senior officials, including the MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka, to…

A CHILD who was five at the time when he was involved in a tractor accident had been underpaid in the damages that the court had previously mandated the Road Accident Fund (RAF) pay him. This is because the court only considered his physical injuries and not the long-standing psychological scars the accident left on him. The child, only identified as F by the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, is now 13 years old and said to be struggling emotionally due to his injuries, which, among others, left ugly scars on his face. The court previously ordered the RAF to pay R350 000 in terms of general damages to the child, who is represented in the proceedings by a curator. The curator, however, successfully appealed that ruling, and Judge Harishila Kooverjie…

The Owl Rescue Centre is on high alert after another baboon was spotted near Pretoria. “We have another young dispersing male baboon making his way from the Roodeplaat area towards Pretoria. We’ll do our best to chaperone and or catch him and get him to a safe area,” said Owl Rescue Centre’s Brendan Murray. He asked residents to contact the centre if they spot the baboon. The latest sighting comes just days after another male baboon was brutally killed by learners at a school in Delmas, Mpumalanga. The baboon, known as Raygun shot to fame late last month following reports by the Owl Rescue Centre that he had jumped a fence at a local sanctuary and ended up in the national archives building at the Department of Arts and Culture.…

Quality control to ensure that every Volkswagen that comes off the line at the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape meets the most stringent parameters is a non-negotiable. The plant that produces the Polo for export, Polo GTI exclusively for world export, the Polo Vivo and shortly the new entry-level SUV for local and African consumption, has a lot going on in the background. Using some of the most sophisticated high-tech equipment in the world to test steel, smells, water resistance, NVH levels, lighting, electronics, and basically anything to do with the vehicles, there are a lot of clever people analysing reams of data. During the recent Volkswagen Indaba we had the opportunity to have a closer look at some of their work and while most of us are aware…

According to Francke Horn, who recently put pen to paper, a spate of re-signings has given the Lions excitement ahead of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against the Stormers (2.30pm kick-off). Horn was schooled in the Cape at Paarl Boys High, but has made his rugby home in Johannesburg, where he is hugely popular with Lions fans because of his adventurous play at No 8. The 25-year-old’s good form suggests he could have moved on to greener pastures – locally or overseas – but he has recommitted to the Lions, along with fellow stars in prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye and centre Henco van Wyk, until the end of 2027. Young KES old boys Kelly Mpeku and Bronson Mills (both centres) have also signed for the Lions as coach Ivan van Rooyen…

Pakistan have earned their spot in the final of the Tri-Series against New Zealand after putting up a powerful batting display to defeat the Proteas by six wickets in Karachi on Wednesday. Make no mistake, the Proteas batting order set a decent 352/5 for the home side to chase, with top scores from Heinrich Klaasen (87 off 56 balls, 11x4, 3x6), Matthew Breetzke (83 off 84, 10x4, 1x6) and captain Temba Bavuma (82 off 96, 13x4), but Pakistan’s middle-order showed their prowess. The Proteas won the toss and chose to bat, opting not to open with Matthew Breetzke like they did against the Black Caps, and instead going with Tony de Zorzi. Both De Zorzi and Bavuma looked comfortable early on, putting up a 50-run partnership by the eighth over.…

Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning comeback against world champions Australia to clinch a 49-run victory in the first one-day international yesterday after a century by captain Charith Asalanka. Defending a modest target of 215, Sri Lanka bowled out the visitors for 165 inside 34 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Asalanka smashed a career-best 127, before chipping in with the crucial wicket of Alex Carey, while Maheesh Theekshana took 4/40 to help scuttle Australia’s chase. “Really pleased with the knock,” Asalanka said. “It wasn’t easy batting out there... Had to settle in and then batting with the tail had to take a few risks, and glad it all paid off.” Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka found themselves in dire straits at 133/8 in the…

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had no explanation for yet another late-game collapse as his team lost 3-2 at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs on Tuesday night to leave their campaign hanging by a thread ahead of the second leg. Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham struck late to erase City’s 2-1 lead, the latter netting the winner in the 92nd minute at the Etihad Stadium, where the mood swung from joy to despair. “We arrived at the last minute with a result, and we could not keep it,” Guardiola told a press conference. “After 2-1, many games it has happened, against Feyenoord in the Champions League (City led 3-0 in the 74th minute, but were held to a 3-3 draw), against Brentford in the Premier League,…

The fearsome West Indies pace quartet during the 1970s and 1980s hardly said a word out in the middle. Michael Holding, who was known as ‘Whispering Death’ and the leader of the Windies attack, has always been highly critical of sledging out in the middle – and even proposed that the ICC introduce red cards when players overstepped the mark. Holding did not buy the cheap talk that whatever gets said out in the middle stays on the field, and everything is forgiven after the game over a cold beverage. “When I played, I cannot remember any sledging. Obviously one or two people would pass a remark or two, but what I see now, whenever people are walking off the cricket field, people are in their face, saying whatever they’re…

Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) has called for the government to walk the talk and better account for the use of infrastructure funds in the upcoming National Budget next week. Chris Campbell, the CEO of Cesa, said that when it comes to funds and allocations for infrastructure, Cesa wants local government to account more for unspent infrastructure funds, not just rely on the Auditor-General’s report. This comes as billions of rands allocated to infrastructure spending often remain unspent by municipalities due to various reasons, as frequently highlighted in the Auditor-General’s report. South Africa’s 257 municipalities frequently lack the necessary capacity, skills, and resources to manage infrastructure effectively. Cesa said the solution lies in public-private partnerships to ensure implementation. Campbell also called for a realistic budget, adding that it would likely…

Several academics and law firms have weighed in on the spectacular collapse of Steinhoff, which resulted in multiple people being arrested for fraud and the company’s listing being removed from both the JSE and Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Associate Professor and director of Rhodes Business School, Professor Owen Skae, has investigated whether Steinhoff’s board structure contribute to the scandal. His research made the point that, with its primary listing being in Frankfurt and its corporate address in Amsterdam, Steinhoff follows the Dutch corporate governance code. Previous articles ran by Business Report have shown how Steinhoff only followed corporate governance rules in theory as, in practise, scant regard was paid to business oversight. The corporate scandal, often called South Africa’s largest, led to then CEO Markus Jooste’s apparent suicide, former directors being…

Ah, love. The emotion which drives the sales of overpriced chocolates, inflatable heart-shaped decorations and self-help books. The ‘love’ industry of romantic getaways, diamond rings and dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Grindr, has become a multibillion-dollar empire. And as we, or rather I, reluctantly approach the annual festival of grand romantic gestures, I have been thinking about how relationships, not just the ones engineered for entertainment, shape our world in ways that go far beyond seasonal romance-driven sales of Valentine’s Day. The politics and commerce of relationships are far more influential than we care to admit. Who we love, who we marry, and who we align ourselves with has consequences that extend far beyond our personal lives. For centuries, marriages have cemented political and economic alliances, shaping the…

South32 has received federal environmental approvals for the mining of bauxite at its Worsley Alumina operation in West Australia. It said on Wednesday that the latest approval was subject to conditions consistent with the State environmental approval received in December. “The project will enable access to bauxite to sustain production at Worsley Alumina, with mining of bauxite areas located near our existing operations expected to commence in Q4 FY25,” said the company. “We will now also commence the development of new mining areas that are expected to sustain production to at least FY26.” Apart from Worsley, South32 also mines for bauxite at Brazil Alumina. The commodity is a key component in the manufacture of alumina, used in the making of aluminum metal. “The Federal Government’s approval of…

BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is set to start producing the X3 40d xDrive model in May 2025 following a R4.2 billion investment in the electrification and digitisation of the production facility. This comes after the plant started producing the BMW X3 20 petrol and 20d diesel variants last month, after having previously launched BMW X3 30e xDrive. Significantly, both the BMW X3 30e xDrive and the BMW X3 40d xDrive will be exclusively produced at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for global markets. Ernst Kohlmeyer, general manager of quality at BMW Group South Africa, said the new BMW X3 has strongly resonated with South African customers since its start of production in October 2024. Kohlmeyer said approximately 10% of sales were for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) BMW X3 30e…

A LEGAL tussle has ensued between the father of a now 5-year-old child, who is living in Israel, and the mother, who is living in South Africa with the child, after the father claimed she had abducted the child from Israel and he wants the child to immediately be returned. He approached to the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg, through the Central Authority of South Africa, in terms of the Hague Convention, which deals with the civil aspects of international child abduction. It is the case of the father that the child should be returned to her country of “habitual residence” in Eilat, Israel, from where she was “unlawfully” removed in March 2021. The mother opposed the application on the basis that the removal of the child from Israel was not…

The Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development was on a fact-finding mission on the legal foundations of the Ingonyama Trust and Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) yesterday. The committee received a legal opinion from the Parliamentary Legal Services on the legal foundations of the Trust and its Board, ownership, and vesting of property/assets, powers, and functions of the Minister, the sole trustee. Recently, King Misuzulu ka Zwelithini sacked the entire ITB board except for Dr Thandiwe Dlamini, who now appears to be managing the Trust. The suspension also extended to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, pending a forensic investigation. The king also appointed Van Rensburg Kruger Rakwena Attorneys to manage the affairs of the Trust in the absence of the board. He accused the board of…

The State, in the trial of five men accused of gunning down two ANC members from Ward 101 in Cato Crest, has applied to have two of its eyewitnesses testify in camera with their faces obscured as they fear for their lives. The accused men Nkosinathi Emmanuel Ngcobo, Sandile Mzizi, Mkhipheni Mzimuni Ngiba a former ward councillor of ward 101, Sifiso Vincent Mlondo and Phathesakhe Ngiba are charged with gunning down Siyabonga Mkhize and Mzukisi Nyanga on October 15, 2021 at Cato Manor. Mkhize was the ward candidate of Ward 101 and was contesting the 2021 local government elections against Ngiba. Mkhize’s death resulted in Ngiba becoming the ward councillor. The KZN deputy director of public prosecutions advocate Lawrence Gcaba yesterday at the Durban High Court called the investigating officer…

Live life being happy and do not be sorrowful were the wise words of Alice Joan Fernandez who celebrated her 106th birthday, on Tuesday. Friends, family and children converged on Fernandez’s Newlands East home for a thanksgiving communion service and rosary intercession which was held alongside the traditional cake cutting and gift handover. Fernandez is an early riser who enjoys mielie meal and toast for breakfast. “I like reading novels and the ‘Daily News’ newspaper. I am blessed with good eyesight. I do not need reading glasses. I love my family especially my little grandchild who I call lollipops. I was feeling for a nice curry or a bunny chow. Be happy and live life full of laughter,” Fernandez said. Community activist Lawrence Palmer described Fernandez as a true…

THE State Information and Technology Agency (SITA) is under investigation by the Public Protector and the Public Service Commission (PSC). This takes place as the embattled SITA received yet another disclaimer audit opinion from the Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke. This emerged when the Department of the Communications and Digital Technologies briefed the portfolio committee on governance issues at the entity yesterday. Director-general Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyan said a member of the public lodged a complaint with the Public Protector alleging that no proper processes were followed in the appointment of the previous managing director. The complaint also raised issues around proper processes not being followed in the appointment of the chief procurement officer and a bidding process not followed in appointing a firm of attorneys as the entity’s company secretary. Jordan-Dyan also said…

THE Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has been told by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) that it is under financial distress and that its current liabilities exceed its current assets by over R468.2 million. In its 2023/24 audit of the Free State capital’s finances, the AGSA stated that the municipality was under financial distress requiring the implementation of a mandatory financial recovery plan (FRP) in the year that ended on June 30, 2024. ”There was also slow progress in dealing with financial difficulties, as only 28% of the activities contained in the FRP were fully implemented during the year,” the report noted. The national government intervened in the municipality in 2020 and the FRP imposed on it due to its failure to fulfil its obligations. According to the AGSA, its creditors’ payment…

South Africa has been starved of small bakkies since the disappearance of the half-tonne class, but could new entrants like the DFSK K01S partially fill the gap? This new Chinese entrant has officially landed in South Africa, and with a starting price of R189,900, it is the second least expensive commercial vehicle on our market, after the Suzuki Super Carry, which starts at R187,900. Like the latter, the DFSK is a highly utilitarian option, with a cab-over design, rear-wheel drive, leaf spring rear suspension and an impressive load capacity of 985kg. Of course, small business owners who don’t require that kind of load-lugging capacity are likely better off with one of the car-based panel vans such as the Nissan Magnite Move or Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo. The DFSK is a…

Kaizer Chiefs’ season could be defined this Saturday – such is the importance of their Nedbank Cup last 16 clash at the FNB Stadium against Chippa United (6pm kick-off). Chiefs are regarded as the ‘Cup Kings’ of South African football, having won 93 unofficial and official trophies in their 55 years of existence. But such has been their fall from grace, they are enduring a 10-year barren run, and that is despite signing some of the best coaches and players around the globe. Nasreddine Nabi is the incumbent Chiefs coach. But he too has already bottled the Carling Knockout, while they are sixth in the Premiership log standings. With the league title looking out of reach as they trail log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 17 points, they need to look…

Six-time Spanish world champion Marc Marquez set the fastest lap yesterday in the first of two days of pre-season testing at the Buriram circuit in Thailand with 1 minute 29.184 seconds (1:29.184). The session comes two weeks ahead of the start of the 2025 MotoGP season. Marc Marquez came out on top, ahead of his brother Alex Marquez, who clocked 1min 29.649 (1:29.649) and Italian Franco Morbidelli with 1min 29.683 (1:29.683). South African star Brad Binder, riding on his Red Bull KTM bike, finished in ninth position in a time of 1:30.041. This was the Spaniard Marquez’s first notable performance in the red jumpsuit of the Ducati team, which he joined in January to form a star-studded duo with Italian Francesco Bagnaia to fight for the title. His teammate was…

It seems a bit of a push if you look at him now, but once upon a time, Springbok and Sharks prop Trevor Nyakane was a sevens player. He was reminded of this in a press conference yesterday ahead of his team’s visit to the Bulls on Saturday (5pm kick-off), and he was typically amusing in his answer. “Haha, that was when I was at school at Ben Vorster (in Limpopo), but then my appetite got going, and I started to eat. “I also hit the gym, and as I got bigger, the chance of the Blitzboks knocking on my door diminished,” he said with his trademark ear-to-ear grin. So, it was the front row for the roly-poly prop, and after 68 Tests for South Africa, you could say it…

Canan Moodie had a ‘tour from hell’ towards the end of last year. It’s not as if the actual rugby was a problem, but rather the fact that he spent nine weeks in Europe from early October to early December, encompassing the United Rugby Championship, Champions Cup and Springbok Tests. That saw him get a breather at the Bulls, and he started playing off the bench in a few games. But he was back in the No 14 jersey for last week’s blockbuster showdown with the Stormers in Cape Town, and was full of running in the 33-32 Bulls victory. Moodie also celebrated his 50th Bulls match, adding that it was “very special to have my parents there as they came onto the field – and it was also their…